Imphal, January 14: Floral tributes at the portraits of deceased drivers, presentation of simple gifts to honour dedicated service and statements indicating desire for their welfare schemes marked the 15th Driver's Day observance held throughout the State today.

Manipur Drivers welfare Association observed the day under the theme "year of Education" at GM Hall, imphal today with Director of Education (Schools) NK Shimray and social activist Th Iboyaima as the chief guest and president respectively.

Four children of drivers selected for free education under the Association's auspices were identified before the gathering.

While Paonam Nonita of Wangkhei Angom Leikai was selected in the reservation category of deceased driver, Wahengbam Sushmanta of Sega road Konjeng Hajari Leikai, Mairembam Ranjita of Kakwa Huidrom Leikai and Takhellambam Gitchandra of Wangkhei Angom Leikai belong to the open category.

The sponsors of the four students for this year are Y Lokeshwor, AK Binodkumar and Manipur Truck Owners' Welfare Association.

Beginning from the current session similar benefits to selected children of drivers would be extended every year.

Family members of four deceased drivers were presented Rs 1000 each as a mark of respect to the departed soul from the organizer while shawls were presented to families of 19 deceased drivers on the occasion.

Delivering his speech as the chief guest, NK Shimray hailed the Association for their exemplary initiatives in aiding children of drivers pursue their studies while assuring that efforts would be made to extend benefit of Jan Shiksha Abhiyan to children of drivers as soon as the programme is implemented.

Similar to reservation of ST/SC candidates, the Director emphasized on framing a scheme policy covering selected children of drivers for studies at class X and XII for which he donated Rs 10,000.Describing the role of drivers as enormous in the social context of Manipur, Th Iboyaima desired that unlike their parents children of drivers should be educated and hailed the endeavors of the Assn to achieve the goal.

At Laipham Khunou sixteen deceased drivers, three handymen and fourteen tanker drivers as well as veteran driver RK Sanayaima were honored on the occasion.

As part of the observance driver's refrained from taking the wheels thereby substantially reducing number of people at the main market areas in the capital districts.

Speaking as chief guest the programme organized by All Manipur Petroleum Tankers Drivers' Union Food and Civil Supply Minister Ph Parijat emphasized that vehicle owners and State Govt chalked out a policy for extension of pension benefit to retired drivers.

He also highlighted need for legislation for job security of the man behind wheels who are always at the receiving end of the owners.

Urging the driver's union to protect their brethren's right, Parijat also desired that notice should be served to the driver at least a month ahead before decision for expulsion.

While acknowledging the enormous role of the drivers in ensuring adequate supply of food-stuff in the land-locked Manipur the Minister also stressed on sense of discipline and dedication by the drivers to their assignment.

Stating that harassments of drivers by anti-social elements constraint the driver community to resort to agitation resulting in severe hardships to the general populace, Parijat appealed to all concerned against ill-treating the vehicle operators.

He also highlighted need for close coordination of the drivers' body with the Govt as providing security personnel has become part and parcel in the present juncture considering the number of bandhs and blockades along the highways.

Addressing the gathering as guest of honour Depot Manager of Indian Oil Corporation Limited (AOD) SR Hazarika said drivers should always keep in mind six rules - strict compliance to traffic rules, refrain from intoxicants, handling the vehicles only by fit persons, driving at steady pace, top-most priority to safety of human live and immediate report to the nearest police station, oil depot or oil pump whenever accidents take place.

The Union president Y Bhupenchandra Ghosh presided the function while former Education (U) Director Dr M Kriti (Padmashri) also graced the occasion as guest of honour.

In the observance programme organized by All Manipur Road Transport Drivers and Motor Workers Union (AMRTDMWU) at Central Bus Terminus, Khuman Lampak former Transport minister N Natum attended as chief guest.

Solemn scenes prevailed at the observance venue as relatives of deceased drivers and members of the Union paid floral tribute at the portrait of the deceased.

Shawls were presented to family members of departed drivers by the function organizers.

In his address, the chief guest praised the contribution of the drivers in serving the society in terms of ensuring availability of food-stuffs.

Natum called upon the people to respect and extend solidarity to the driver community and highlighted urgent requirement for framing a Govt policy regarding welfare measures of the drivers.

Chairman of Institute of Cooperative Management Kh Borkishore also speaking on the occasion stressed on Government initiatives to ameliorate the grievances of the drivers particularly hardships faced along the vulnerable highways infested with anti-social elements.

Giving a brief account of the Union, a spokesman informed that the body has been intending monthly pension amount of Rs 200 each to maimed and aged drivers.

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